DARE TO DREAM SCHEME (D2D)

Why in News?                                                                                                        

Dare to Dream (D2D) 1.0 (2019), D2D 2.0 (2020) and D2D 3.0 (2021) have been successfully conduced, wherein, more than 5,600 applications were received and out of which 86 technologies/ideas have been recognized and Rs. 3.97 Crore worth of prize Money has been awarded to the individual innovators and start-ups. This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri GM Siddeshwar and Shrimati Poonam Mahajan in the Lok Sabha.

What is Dare to Dream scheme?

• Under this, annual Dare to Dream Contests are organised to promote innovations by individual and start-ups for advancements in defence and aerospace technologies.
• It was initiated in memory of the former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Launched on
• Now in 2023 it is in 4^th phase.
• Launched by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Indian citizens above 18 years and startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, led by Indian founders are eligible for scheme.
• Entries will be evaluated based on criteria such as novelty, applicability, implement ability, technical merit and maturity.
• Cash award of up to 10 lakhs for Start-ups and 5 lakhs for individuals.
• Winners are also eligible to secure funding through DRDO’s TDF scheme for realizing prototypes, contingent on merit and feasibility.